Walsh Named To Davey O'Brien Watch List

Robert Allen

07/16/2014

After seeing some deserving candidates in defensive tackle James Castleman (Outland and Lombardi) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (Jim Thorpe) left off preseason watch lists for awards honoring their positions, the Oklahoma State Cowboys rated an awards watch list mention with quarterback J.W. Walsh.

The junior from Denton (Guyer), Texas is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Cowboys when they open the season against defending national champion Florida State in Arlington's AT&T Stadium on Aug. 30.

Walsh was named to the Davey O'Brien watch list as one of the candidates to win that award for the top quarterback in college football. Oddly enough, in that opening game Walsh and the Cowboys will be facing the defending O'Brien Award winner and the defending Heisman Award winner in Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston.

Walsh was also nominated by the American Football Coaches Association to their AFCA Good Works Team. Walsh is one of a record-breaking 182 nominees from across the country who represent the sport’s finest in the areas of volunteerism and leadership.

He has been active with FCA, including speaking to students at multiple high schools and mentoring children through a horseback riding program. He has also been on several hospital visits to spend time with children, and taken time to speak to and interact with children at multiple elementary schools. Additionally, he volunteered time to help with tornado clean-up efforts following the May 20, 2013, tornado in Moore, Okla.

On the field, Walsh is known for his strong leadership ability. He owns a career adjusted quarterback rating of 80.1, which ranks among the best in country for quarterbacks returning in 2014. His 170.11 quarterback rating in 2012 not only led the Big 12 and ranked fourth nationally, but was also the fourth best ever by a freshman.

As a sophomore in 2013, Walsh started five games and saw action in eight. He was second on the team in total offense per game at 203.4 yards and the Cowboys’ second leading passer at 1,333 yards, completing 113 of 190 pass attempts. The Denton, Texas native finished the season with nine passing touchdowns and three rushing scores.

As for the Davey O'Brien Award Walsh is joined on the watch list by not only Winston, but also Baylor's Bryce Petty, OU's Trevor Knight, Kansas State's Jake Waters, and Texas Tech's Davis Webb.